LLELA is Lewisville's big river nature preserve

The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, or LLELA, sits at 201 E. Jones Street in Lewisville, on more than 2,000 acres of prairie, bottomland hardwood forest, wetlands, and cross timbers below Lewisville Dam. You can fish, kayak and canoe the Trinity, camp, picnic, hike, watch wildlife, and join guided outdoor programs.

It is one of North Texas's best birding spots, with hundreds of recorded species, from wild turkeys to painted buntings, along its nature trails. Pets are not allowed, which is part of how the preserve protects that wildlife.

This is one of the richest outdoors stops in Denton County, where lake, river, prairie, forest, and classes all meet. Check LLELA's current trail, paddling, and camping conditions and its limited days and hours before you go, especially after high water.